Panasonic has just presented a model similar to the Panasonic GH5 camera which had its premiere a year ago and which is loved by filmmakers. GH5s, as that’s how this new model is called, is not a successor of the popular camera, but its low light version. The new camera is supposed to open totally new possibilities of work in low light, and is also supposed to compete with full-frame cameras which as for now have dealt with such conditions much better.
Both models differ mainly when it comes to a new sensor. In GH5s, the 10.2 Mp MOS sensor has been used, which means that the sensor is almost 2 times smaller when it comes to resolution than the ordinary GH5. It is, of course, supposed to help in low light conditions. Thanks to the use of bigger photodiodes, the sensor is supposed to perfectly deal with filming in high sensitivity.
The sensor, supported by the Venus Engine processor, enables work within the ISO range of 160 - 51200 (extended to ISO 80 - 204800).
1). Panasonic Lumix GH5s
What is more, the sensor is equipped with Dual Native ISO system, known from more professional cameras, in which two separate circuits are assigned to each sensor pixel. One is used within the ISO range of ISO 160-800, whereas the other one is used within higher sensitivity range.
The camera also possesses a bit more advanced film-making functions. Now we can record films in 4096x2160 with the speed of 60 f/s, and slow-motion films in Full HD with the speed up to 240 f/s.
2). Panasonic Lumix GH5s
Yet another interesting function is a possibility of recording films in HDR in a special mode – Hybrid Log Gamma. The camera has built-in V-Log and the use of LUT tables can be simulated in a preview mode. Panasonic has also introduced an option of decoding timecode from other cameras, which is going to significantly speed up the work if we use a few cameras for making films at the same time.
3). Panasonic Lumix GH5s
Some GH5 users have probably started thinking about selling their camera after reading the first part of this article, but unfortunately GH5s has a few disadvantages. The first one is the lack of sensor image stabilization system. We can still use cameras with the stabilization, but, as one could expect, it’s not going to be as effective as in the case of GH5.
Apart from that, due to a smaller sensor, we will not have 6K Photo mode here (only 4K Photo), the anamorphic mode in high resolution and the mode of first electronic shutter curtain.
Autofocus is also a bit slower, but it is also supposed to be more sensitive (- 5 EV compared to - 4 EV in GH5).
4). Panasonic Lumix GH5s
Fortunately, all these functions are almost perfectly enclosed in a sealed magnesium body with a rotating 3.2’’ LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder with extended sensitivity of refreshing up to 120 f/s. Of course, the camera has all connectors, the Wi-Fi module and a rechargeable battery with increased durability (seemingly, due to the lack of IBIS).
This camera is definitely targeted at filmmakers who have not used the Micro Four Thirds system yet, due to low image quality in poor lighting conditions. GH5s is also going to steal the main argument of the fans of full-frame cameras, especially the fans of Sony A7S II. From the first comparisons one can conclude that image quality is very similar to that camera.
The new Lumix is going to cost $2500, which is certainly a very attractive price when we take into consideration the possibilities that it offers. Is it worth giving up GH5 for this model? It’s a hard question and it, of course, depends on how we want to use our camera. Definitely the best option would be to have both versions of this perfect camera. Here you can find the comparison of the specifications of both cameras.
ORDER LINKS
Panasonic Lumix GH5s Body - Amazon
Panasonic DMW-BLF19E Battery for Lumix GH5s - Amazon
Panasonic LUMIX GH5s Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH5) + Panasonic DMW-BLF19 Battery - Amazon
Dual Channel LCD Battery Charger for Panasonic Lumix GH5s - Amazon
Panasonic Professional Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 - Amazon
Please, support us and shop with affiliate links. THANKS! 🙂